I woke up from the same dream, many voices speaking my name over and over. It sent shivers down my spin. I shake my head and I stood up from my bed in my small tent. I tied my long raven black hair up in a ponytail and I put on my armor. I started to think of that dream again to I was brought out of my thoughts by a soldier " Captain, this letter came for you... it from the kingdom Vérella " he said and I walked over. I took the letter " thank you please stay I may need to send a response " I said as I opened the letter. He nodded and stood my the entrance.
As I read the letter it all shocked me. " captain Kieri ... this may come as a shock to you but your father has passed on and your next in line for the throne of Vérella. You are part of the royal family we found no other siblings or relatives. " I stoped reading when I saw there was nothing else important and I looked at the soldier " give me a moment I must talk with commander Arcolin ... wait here " I said. The soldier nodded and I left my tent and went right to the commanders tent " sir permission to speak " I said quickly and he stood up from his desk " permission granted Kieri this sounds urgent what is wrong " he said and " this letter just came from Vérella " I said and I handed it to him and he sat down and started reading. When he was done he looked up at me in shock " royal blood " he said and I nodded " well son I'll have 30 men take you to Vérella right away " he said and I nodded " yes sir " I said and I left to pack my bags.
On the road the it seamed like hours since I have last seen any village or city . But as we went over a hill my mind was blown away and a soldier next to me spoke " sir this Vérella " he said and I nodded all I saw was a huge land full of great meadows, rivers, and streams, farms, villages, and huge forest but the royal city and palace looked small from where I was but I knew it was huge if I could see it from here it must be.
When I reached the royal city people in the streets greased me with such joy. They throw flowers at my horses feet as he walked along the street. The people even praised the gods for the safety of there new kings arrival.
At the palace the guards and all the staff that worked in the palace stood outside to great me. When I got off my horse a guard came over and they grabbed ahold of him but he followed anyway " my lord welcome to Vérella we are so happy you have arrived safely ... I am one of your squires " the young boy said and I nodded " I'll introduce you to your staff " he said. I nodded " this is your cook and the kitchen staff " he said and they all gave me there names " this is the rest of your squires " he said " all of them there must me 20 or so right here " I said " 25 my lord including me " he said and I nodded and they gave me there names " and I'm Allen " the boy said and I nodded and Allen went on " this is your servant they will be keeping the palace and your chambers clean and light ever day " Allen said and I nodded " and this is your forge master and his helpers and finales your stable boy he will take care of your horses any any other horse that come here caring your visitors " Allen said and I nodded " you can meet your army tomorrow " he said " his many men are in my army ?" I asked " 200,000 " he said and my eyes widen in surprise and he took me inside and showed me around.
After the long day i retreated to my chambers for the night I took a hot bath and went right to bed. The next morning I woke to see my room dark but the heat from the fire place directed me so I followed and I found a candle at the top of the fire place and I grabbed it light it and set it back. I poked at the fire and it started but only a little.
I then heard footsteps outside my door and I looked around and I saw no robe and I went to my bed and the door opened. " my lord I didn't know you woke this early I was about to light your candles and put a log on the fire " a servant said " it's alright I just get up early " I said and she nodded and she light my candles and put a log in the fire and she left. I got up I looked around the room told I found some clothing and I got dressed knowing I didn't need my armor for everyday use.
I found my way to the dinning hall and I looked down the long table to see my place all set and a servant smiled " my lord your breakfast is waiting " she said and I nodded and I sat down and I eat my breakfast. When I was done I went around the palace I looked around till Allen find me. " My lord your army is assembled in the field and your horse is all saddled " he said and I nodded and I went out to the court ward and I got on my horse and I followed Allen down to the field with the rest of my squires following.
After I met my commander of my army and looked at my men I went back to the palace and I went right to my sticky and I found many letters and paperwork. I sighed I sat down and I opened and read letters wrote responses and read and sighed the paperwork I agreed with. I knew life as a king would be hard but I knew it's my duty. Later that day I went to a long meeting and we talked about my coronation and about have I need a heir I found it I entertaining when fought on over who's right or wrong but when I added a suggestion they agreed and didn't think or say that I wasn't wrong. After the meeting the date for my coronation and a ball date so I can find my queen to be. After a few days Arcolin is a lot better but I have been to busy to see him. But one night I had dinner brought to me in my study and as I eat I hear a whine. So I glanced to see a dog! At my feet he lo led hungry and vary skinny. So I took pity over him and I handed him a pice if chicken and he eat it quickly and he looked up at me and he jumped up and licked me.
But I told him to get down and he whined again and I sighed. I petted him gently and he wagged his tail and I looked to see the back door open and it was pouring outside and I sighed and I got up and I closed the door. " well boy looks like your staying the night here " I said and he jumped up and came over to me and he laid my my feet like he was asking for a belly rub.
I gave in and I gave him a good belly rub. " I don't see the harm if you staying for good you seam like a good dog and I can use the company " I said. he then wagged his tail faster and he gave me a unexpected lick in the face and I jumped. I ended up naming his Coda. At first he sleep in my study but now she sleeps in my chambers some times by my feet on the bed or on the rug by the fire place. I don't much care witch he choose.
A few days later the date of the ball came and Arcolin was well enough to join so I asked him and he agreed. That night I met many princess but one caught my eye she was beautiful her long light blonde hair her blue eyes and her soft looking pale skin but I knew she must be at least 18 and I'm in my 30's. But a choice had to me made and Her father said her name was kara and when they were all lined up.
I got up and I walked up to kara and I smiled " will you be my queen " I asked her and she smiled and nodded " yes my lord " she said sweetly and Allen spoke " the king has chosen his queen !! " he yelled Joyfully and my people cheered. After the ball I sat with kara and her father and we set the date and the guest list.
The wedding came and kara and I said our vowels and I gave her the ring and the kiss. After the wedding dinner was served and kara was saying her last goodbye to her father as asked him to join us for dinner. He eat and he thanked me and left for his long journey home. It was only kara and I in the dinning hall and she looked nervous and so I placed my hand on hers gently " kara it's ok to be nervous this is a new place and a new life for you and I promise that I don't force you to do anything " I said and she smiled " thank you Kieri " she said sweetly and I nodded.
That night was a long one I couldn't sleep because kara keep moving I knew she couldn't sleep as well. But after a few days she got used to sleeping in the same bed as me. One morning I was out saying goodbye to Arcolin and his men and I told him that he is welcome any time and he thanked me and he lead his men off and I watched till he was out of sight and I went back inside.
A full month later kara gave me the amazing news that she was with child. At first she was scared. But I told her that everything would be ok and that I was vary happy about the news. Soon the whole kingdom knew and they rejoiced for days almost a full week.
Kara started sitting with me in my study. She would read books on the couch my the fire place while I worked on paper work and letters. Coda would sit by her side like he was Guarding her. Some times he wouldn't let me touch her. But kara thought it was funny.
One morning I woke up to banging on my door " sir king.. sir king!! " Allen voice called out and I jumped up and I grabbed my robe and I put it in quickly and I looked to see kara sit up slowly " what's wrong ? " she asked " i don't know but get some more rest it's till early " I said and she nodded and I opened the door " what is it ?" I asked " it's Paks he came in on horse back he's wounded " Allen said. " I'll be right out" I said and i closes the door and I quickly got dressed and I rushed out to see Paks. He was badly wounded and the healer said that he needed to rest so I only had a short time to talk to him.
" Paks what happened " I said " it was a ambush I'm the only survivor " he said weakly. I frowned " rest my friend rest you need it" I said and he nodded and he closed his eyes and I left the room. " Allen send word to duke Pargun that the remainder of his army had been ambushed and his captain Paks is the soul survived but badly wounded and under the care of Vérella " I said and he nodded and left.
The rest of my day I worked in my usual work but I had my healer keep me updated on Paks condition. I just hoped he would be alright..... After a few days Arcolin is a lot better but I have been to busy to see him. But one night I had dinner brought to me in my study and as I eat I hear a whine. So I glanced to see a dog! At my feet he lo led hungry and vary skinny. So I took pity over him and I handed him a pice if chicken and he eat it quickly and he looked up at me and he jumped up and licked me.
But I told him to get down and he whined again and I sighed. I petted him gently and he wagged his tail and I looked to see the back door open and it was pouring outside and I sighed and I got up and I closed the door. " well boy looks like your staying the night here " I said and he jumped up and came over to me and he laid my my feet like he was asking for a belly rub.
I gave in and I gave him a good belly rub. " I don't see the harm if you staying for good you seam like a good dog and I can use the company " I said. he then wagged his tail faster and he gave me a unexpected lick in the face and I jumped. I ended up naming his Coda. At first he sleep in my study but now she sleeps in my chambers some times by my feet on the bed or on the rug by the fire place. I don't much care witch he choose.
A few days later the date of the ball came and Arcolin was well enough to join so I asked him and he agreed. That night I met many princess but one caught my eye she was beautiful her long light blonde hair her blue eyes and her soft looking pale skin but I knew she must be at least 18 and I'm in my 30's. But a choice had to me made and Her father said her name was kara and when they were all lined up.
I got up and I walked up to kara and I smiled " will you be my queen " I asked her and she smiled and nodded " yes my lord " she said sweetly and Allen spoke " the king has chosen his queen !! " he yelled Joyfully and my people cheered. After the ball I sat with kara and her father and we set the date and the guest list.
The wedding came and kara and I said our vowels and I gave her the ring and the kiss. After the wedding dinner was served and kara was saying her last goodbye to her father as asked him to join us for dinner. He eat and he thanked me and left for his long journey home. It was only kara and I in the dinning hall and she looked nervous and so I placed my hand on hers gently " kara it's ok to be nervous this is a new place and a new life for you and I promise that I don't force you to do anything " I said and she smiled " thank you Kieri " she said sweetly and I nodded.
That night was a long one I couldn't sleep because kara keep moving I knew she couldn't sleep as well. But after a few days she got used to sleeping in the same bed as me. One morning I was out saying goodbye to Arcolin and his men and I told him that he is welcome any time and he thanked me and he lead his men off and I watched till he was out of sight and I went back inside.
A full month later kara gave me the amazing news that she was with child. At first she was scared. But I told her that everything would be ok and that I was vary happy about the news. Soon the whole kingdom knew and they rejoiced for days almost a full week.
Kara started sitting with me in my study. She would read books on the couch my the fire place while I worked on paper work and letters. Coda would sit by her side like he was Guarding her. Some times he wouldn't let me touch her. But kara thought it was funny.
One morning I woke up to banging on my door " sir king.. sir king!! " Allen voice called out and I jumped up and I grabbed my robe and I put it in quickly and I looked to see kara sit up slowly " what's wrong ? " she asked " i don't know but get some more rest it's till early " I said and she nodded and I opened the door " what is it ?" I asked " it's Paks he came in on horse back he's wounded " Allen said. " I'll be right out" I said and i closes the door and I quickly got dressed and I rushed out to see Paks. He was badly wounded and the healer said that he needed to rest so I only had a short time to talk to him.
" Paks what happened " I said " it was a ambush I'm the only survivor " he said weakly. I frowned " rest my friend rest you need it" I said and he nodded and he closed his eyes and I left the room. " Allen send word to duke Pargun that the remainder of his army had been ambushed and his captain Paks is the soul survived but badly wounded and under the care of Vérella " I said and he nodded and left.
The rest of my day I worked in my usual work but I had my healer keep me updated on Paks condition. I just hoped he would be alright..... Winter came faster then I expected snow covered the land like a blanket. Kara gave birth to a baby boy. We thought if many names but we both decided on Arcolin. Paks wounds healed and he survived a horrible fever but he is still vary weak. One morning I woke to Arcolin crying. so I got up, I put a robe on and I walked over and I picked him up carefully hoping I wouldn't hurt him. I looked to see kara sitting up slowly. " I'll take him " she said softly and I nodded. So I laid him in her arms and I went to get dressed for the day.
In my study I looked to see a scroll it was riled up neatly with red and white strings and a royal stamp. I quickly grabbed it knowing it was important. But as I read it my blood boiled and I got up and I threw it into the fire as Kara walked in and she gave me a small smile " is everything ok ? " she asked " your father delivered war " I said coldly and I saw the tears in her eyes " why would he betray us like that " she sobbed as she held Arcolin close. " I don't know but I'll figure it out " I said and she nodded.
Weeks passed and my father in law has burned a farm and attacked a caravan. One day I was passing throw a tow when I saw one of his small army's and I lead the attack and I left one alive to give him a message saying I see you or your soldiers on my land one more tile i bring my army to you and there will be no survivors, no prisoners, and no heir to your throne.
But he did was I asked him not to and I found my self in my armor standing in my room. I put my hair up again and my crown on and kara ran in " Kieri please don't do this " he said " I'm sorry my turtle dove I warned him and he burned down a village " I said and she frowned and nodded and I kissed her in the cheek and I gave Arcolin a kiss in his forehead as he sleep in his crib and I went out to the court yard and I got on my new horse and I lead my army away from home.
All 200,000 men marched day and night till we reached my father in laws kingdom. I burned village, farms, and city's till I reached the royal palace and the real battle had began.
Shock filled the air screams and cries followed with the wind. As my army flooded the city like one huge wave killing all in its path. When I reached the palace I went into the throne room. My heart sank to see the city's women and children huddled together crying. So I let them be and I hunted down my father in law killing every soldier or guard in my path.
When I found him he died dead in his chambers like he had given up so I pulled back and I had my men go throw and kill the rest. I knew I would regret that.
When I got home kara saw the hate was gone in my eyes and I said nothing to her I just went up to my chambers.
I felt horrible I left no one alive in that kingdom but I had to show that when I say something I mean it ... my men burned that kingdom to the ground it's all ashes now but I knew some how I'll get over it.
I woke to Arcolin crying again so I got up and I picked him up and I held him gently. " hush now little one lets not wake your mother. " I said softly and I laid him back down I got dressed and I came back and took him out for a walk so he could get some fresh air.
But I only had a few minutes till I had to hand him off to his mother. I went right to work in my study with paperwork. Day after day night after ...... A few years has passed and arcolin is running around and getting into trouble like a young boy should. His 4th winter is near and war is at my doorstep. Letters and massagers, caravans and villages attacked my people suffer and I'm doing my best to protect them.
Even my palace was attacked but only a few guard were killed. This was dark times indeed and no place to raise a son... a heir but life must go on. I was then brought out of my thoughts by Kara wnd a sleeping boy ... arcolin asleep in her arms " what is it dearest?" I asked " I came to see you I know you have been busy and I miss seeing you" she said and I smiled " I miss seeing you as well I'm happy you came to see me" I said sweetly and she smiled and came over and gave me a side hug as she was carefully it to wake arcolin.
A few days passed and the fighting seemed to stop no more attacks no more death or was strange but I didn't mind it. My people are safe for now and that's how I want it. Then it hit me."Have I won did they give up are they planning something is my family safe?" My mind went crazy and I had more guard protect the palace.
Night after night has passed and nothing but silence. Till one morning while I was in my study and I heard screaming and I jumped up and ran out and I knew right away " Kara !! " I yelled and I ran up stairs and when I reached my chambers my heart dropped arcolin small bed was covered in blood and Kara laid dead in the floor with my son him her arms. Tears ran down my face and I came to her and I check my sons pulse and tears of joy spilled from my eyes as I held his fragile body close he was alive. " sir king!! " Allen yelled as he ran in and he stoped " arcolin is alive please take him to the healer I wish to stay with Kara I'll be down in a minute " I said and he nodded and left with my son. After a while guards took Kara away and I went down to be with arcolin and I was pleased to know he would be alright but there was nothing anyone could do for Kara she was gone and I was left to raise my son alone.
I stayed by his side like he asked he wanted me to hold him but I couldn't. I didn't want to hurt him and I felt like I would crush him on accident ... he was vary fragile and weak and it made my heard ache. But months has passed and it was long and hard but arcolin was back in his feet and I was happy about that but he had to stay with me where I went unless I left the palace.
One morning I sat in my study and arcolin sat looking at a book event now he didn't know anything about it or how to read. He looked up at me and smiled and I have him a sweet smile in return " daddy I'm hungry" he whined. " lunch is soon and I'm almost done for a while and I'll eat lunch with you" I said and he nodded and looked back at the book.
After I finished I went to eat lunch with arcolin and he eat it like it's been weeks. " Arcolin don't eat so fast it's not good for your stomach " I said and he nodded and he slowed down. " daddy can I go play in the garden ?? " he asked " sure I don't mind I think I'll walked around while you play " I said and he nodded and he went back to eating. After he eat I finished and I went out with him and we walked around while he picked up sticks and he handed it to me and I took it and he ran off came back with another and " daddy play fight" he said and he swings at me and I blocked his swings. But I let him hit me a few times till he got bored.
